Osteopathic foundation names Bowers a 2025 State Emerging Leader

Dr. Kaitlin M. Bowers is a 2025 American Osteopathic Foundation State Emerging Leader. Bowers is an assistant professor and clinical chair of Emergency Medicine at the Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Medicine (CUSOM).

The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF), each year in conjunction with state associations and Osteopathic organizations, recognizes outstanding new physicians in practice across the country. The State Emerging Leader Awards is a national, annual award that honors outstanding licensed Osteopathic physicians with up to 10 years post resident or fellowship, whose leadership inspires others, whose noticeable accomplishments motivate those around them, and whose medical knowledge, combined with patient empathy, enrich the lives of those they serve.

The N.C. Osteopathic Medical Association (NCOMA) nominated Bowers for the award.

As part of the honor, all 2025 AOF State Emerging Leader Award recipients will be featured in an advertisement in an upcoming edition of U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals. The AOF Honors Gala was Sept. 26, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Bowers, though genuinely surprised by the recognition, said she's also incredibly honored.

"Across the state, there are so many DOs doing outstanding work in clinical care, advocacy and education, and to be named among them is truly humbling," Bowers says.

"Much of what we do in medical education happens behind the scenes, so to be acknowledged by peers in the osteopathic community is especially meaningful. This award is also a reflection of the incredible support, mentorship and collaboration I've been fortunate to experience throughout my career."

Bowers is an excellent teacher, particularly in the Clinical Skills course and simulation lab, where she helps students to learn core procedures, says James J. Cappola, chair and associate professor of Internal Medicine and interim assistant dean for Clinical Affairs

"She does a fantastic job advising our students interested in emergency medicine and is a tremendous resource for all of us," he adds.

Bowers earned a bachelor's degree in biology and chemistry from the University of Dayton, where she also served the collegiate community as an emergency medicine technician. She continued her medical education training at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her emergency medicine residency at OhioHealth Doctors Hospital in Columbus, where she served as chief resident.

Bowers says she approaches each patient with a mindset that people are more than their medical conditions. She strives to understand the "why" behind their symptoms - what's going on in their life, what matters to them. She asks how she and patients can become partners in care.

"That same mindset carries into my role as an educator," Bowers says. "I remind students that medicine is about connection as much as it is about knowledge. Whether I'm teaching in the classroom or working alongside them in the ED, I try to model curiosity, humility and compassion. It's about helping students grow into physicians who care deeply and lead with purpose.

One of the best parts of working in medical education, she says, is getting the chance to help shape the future of medicine. Developing osteopathic physicians, role models and leaders.

"If this award encourages even one student to see themselves as a future leader - whether in their clinic, classroom, or community - then it's all worth it," Bowers adds. "I'm proud to represent Campbell and the values we stand for."

The mission of Campbell's medical school is serving the underserved. Training physicians to bring care to those living in rural communities and, ultimately, remaining there to live and to work, throughout North Carolina and the Southeastern U.S.

"Campbell fosters a culture where people come first, whether it's our students, faculty or the communities we serve," Bowers says. "There's a strong, shared sense of mission and mentorship that's woven into every aspect of our work. Our commitment to rural and underserved care isn't just a goal on paper; it's reflected in both our curriculum and hands-on training. It's incredibly rewarding to be part of a place where innovation in education is paired with a heart for service."

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